New IFD Chief To Be Announced, Monday

The city plans to announce the new Indianapolis Fire Chief, Monday.

Current Chief Brian Sanford is resigning after 30 years with the department, and six leading it, because of a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

In May, he told WFYI he wants his replacement to come from inside IFD.

"We know our own people know our department well.  I think we have very good people," said Sanford.  "I think we have a strong bench, so to speak.  In my own administration, I have excellent candidates.  So, I do think (the new chief) should come from within."

The announcement is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. at the Firefighters Union Hall on Mass Ave.

Sanford will move on to serve as the Chief of Staff for Department of Public Safety Director, Troy Riggs.

Former IFD Chief and current State Fire Marshall, Jim Greeson, says Sanford’s legacy is as a chief who was a leader not afraid to take risks.

"I always say, when you get to the positions that he and I are in, you give credit and accept responsibility," said Greeson.  "He's very good at making sure he recognizes the firefighters and staff for the job they do and he is very comfortable in keeping in the back, kind of a low profile, which is a very humble person."

And of the new chief, Greeson says they need to be well rounded in their ability to communicate and manage.

"Number one, you really need to understand budgets and understand tax structure and where revenue comes that supports city government and public safety," said Greeson.  "You need to be able to work with a lot of different neighborhood groups, city county council, the Mayor's office, firefighters, the union."